Project Zipper – EPC/RFID Retail Supply Chain Data Exchange Study

Auburn University’s RFID Lab examined the flow of product information between eight (8) retail brand owners and five (5) retailers for over a one-year period (June 2017 and July 2018). The electronic product code (EPC®)-enabled item level radio frequency identification (RFID) supply chain brand / retailer data exchange study, dubbed “Project Zipper”, took a hands-on investigatory approach to analyzing and evaluating the benefits of brand owners and retailers using the EPC/RFID.

Participants in the data exchange study used RFID technology to tag, track, and share item level inventory data from point of manufacturer, to a brand owner’s distribution center, and through to a retailer’s fulfillment center.

“This study should cause retail industry stakeholders to consider the immediate positive impact item level RFID can have on supply chain efficiency. Retailers and brands have a tremendous opportunity to eliminate errors, as the lack of inventory accuracy is a preventable problem that can be solved with greater automation through RFID.”
- Justin Patton, Auburn University, RFID Lab Director.

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